Aaron Derr, Author at Aaron On Scouting

10 BSA Moments Every Scouter Should Know

February 19, 2022 0

The BSA celebrated its 112th birthday last week, making this the perfect time to refresh your knowledge of BSA history.

The history behind the Pinewood Derby’s success

February 12, 2022 0

What’s the secret to the success of the Pinewood Derby, one of the oldest traditions in Cub Scouts? Find out in this Scouting magazine story from 2013.

Congressmen introduce resolution to name Feb. 8, 2022, “Boy Scouts of America Day”

February 9, 2022 2

Glenn Thompson, a Republican from Pennsylvania, and Sanford Bishop, a Democrat from Georgia, introduced a resolution celebrating the BSA’s 112th birthday, and recognizing Feb. 8, 2022, as Boy Scouts of America Day.

Pinewood Derby scheduling strategies

February 5, 2022 0

The Pinewood Derby is one of the highlights of the Cub Scout year. But it can be challenging to organize it in a way that keeps every family engaged throughout, even if their cars are eliminated from contention early.

Building a campfire requires know-how and good judgment

January 29, 2022 1

Knowing when, where and how to build a campfire is an essential Scouting skill — and a useful skill for life.

Fall recruiting was a smashing success; now it’s on to spring

January 26, 2022 4

The number of new members added to all BSA programs from fall 2020 to fall 2021 increased by 191%, from 78,910 new members in fall 2020 (when many families couldn’t even leave their homes due to the coronavirus pandemic) to 229,243 in fall 2021 (the second consecutive recruiting season affected by the pandemic).

Hot tips for cold-weather fun with Cub Scouts

January 22, 2022 0

Going outdoors in the cold is tricky. Going outdoors in the cold with Cub Scouts is extra tricky. The last thing you want to do is create an impression for youngsters that cold-weather outings have to be miserable.

Illustrator of Scout Life’s ‘Gus’ cartoon has died; his last drawing will melt your heart

January 17, 2022 1

Busino was the artist who created ‘Gus,’ the loveable large white dog who first graced the pages of Boys’ Life in January 1970 and was featured in almost every issue since.

How to get younger Scouts out in the cold

January 15, 2022 0

The winter outing organized by Pack 3 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, succeeds for two main reasons: They create a safe, structured event that teaches Cub Scouts it’s possible to be comfortable in the cold, and they bring in local Scouts BSA members to provide leadership.

How to strengthen family ties with traditions

January 8, 2022 0

Traditions, our expert says, are an essential part of forging a family identity, of making the family a place where kids know they belong.